U.S. patent application number 12/436750 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-11 for bag, tote, and backpack with channel-anchored drawstrings.
Invention is credited to Alexander S. Lee.
Application Number | 20100284631 12/436750 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42315792 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100284631 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Alexander S. |
November 11, 2010 |
BAG, TOTE, AND BACKPACK WITH CHANNEL-ANCHORED DRAWSTRINGS
Abstract
A drawstring bag comprising (i) a flexible container, which has
at least one wall, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel
comprising at least two openings, (ii) a first drawstring, the ends
of which are anchored at or near the first opening, (iii) a second
drawstring, the ends of which are anchored at or near the second
opening, and (iv) optionally, grips adjacent to the first and
second openings; a tote comprising the drawstring bag and at least
one handle and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by
an opener; a backpack comprising the drawstring bag, first and
second points of attachment at or near the edge of the at least one
wall at the closed bottom end of the container through which the
drawstrings pass, and, optionally, at least one handle and/or a
strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener, and/or
drawstring length adjusters; and a method of stabilizing a
drawstring in a flexible container.
Inventors: |
Lee; Alexander S.; (Skokie,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LARCHER & CHAO LAW GROUP
P.O. BOX 1666
SKOKIE
IL
60076
US
|
Family ID: |
42315792 |
Appl. No.: |
12/436750 |
Filed: |
May 6, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/12 ; 224/642;
383/37; 383/38; 383/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 3/06 20130101; A45C
2013/026 20130101; A45C 13/02 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101; A45C
13/1046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/12 ; 383/38;
383/37; 383/72; 224/642 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06; B65D 30/22 20060101 B65D030/22; B65D 30/00 20060101
B65D030/00; B65D 33/28 20060101 B65D033/28; A45F 3/04 20060101
A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A drawstring bag comprising: (i) a flexible container having at
least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior
surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs
along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two
openings, (ii) a first anchored drawstring having a first end and a
second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the
wall of the container at or near a first opening of the channel and
the second end passes through the channel to a second opening of
the channel, where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and
then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the
first opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of
the container at or near the first opening, (iii) a second anchored
drawstring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first
end is anchored by attachment to the container at or near the
second opening and the second end passes through the channel to the
first opening, where it extends outwardly to form a second loop,
which is equal in length to the first loop, and then continues to
pass through the remainder of the channel to the second opening,
where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at
or near the second opening, and (iv) optionally, a grip adjacent to
the first opening of the channel and a grip adjacent to the second
opening of the channel.
2. The drawstring bag of claim 1, which further comprises: (v) at
least one handle, and/or (vi) a strap comprising elongated grips
and an opener, which connects the elongated grips, wherein the
drawstring bag can be carried by the at least one handle or, when
the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote.
3. The tote of claim 2, wherein the at least one handle comprises:
a first handle, which is attached to a surface of the at least one
wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top
end of the container and positioned midway between the first
opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel, and a
second handle, which is attached to the same surface of the at
least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the
open top end of the container and positioned midway between the
first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel,
wherein the first handle and the second handle are directly
opposite each other, either both attached to the exterior surface
of the at least one wall or both attached to the interior surface
of the at least one wall, and optionally padded, and/or the strap
comprising elongated grips and an opener, whereupon, the drawstring
bag can be carried by either the first handle and the second handle
or, when the opener is closed, the strap as a tote.
4. The tote of claim 2, wherein the closed bottom is flat, the at
least one wall comprises a front wall, a back wall, and two side
walls, the channel runs along the edge of at least the front wall
and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the first
opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall
at the open top end of the container, and the second opening of the
channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the
open top end of the container.
5. The tote of claim 4, which further comprises a bottom support
panel, which optionally is removable.
6. The tote of claim 2, which further comprises at least one pocket
on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is
accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag,
and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag.
7. The tote of claim 6, wherein at least one pocket is made from
netting.
8. The tote of claim 2, which further comprises (vii) a wallet or
an identification holder, either of which is tethered, removable,
or tethered and removable, (viii) an attachment sleeve or an
attachment strap, and/or (ix) an attacher for a key holder and,
optionally, a key holder.
9. The drawstring bag of claim 1, which further comprises: (v) a
first point of attachment and a second point of attachment, which
are located along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the
closed bottom end of the container and at least substantially
vertically aligned with the first opening and the second opening,
respectively, of the channel, in which case the first drawstring,
upon extending outwardly through the second opening of the channel
to form the first loop, passes through the second point of
attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of the
channel to the first opening, and the second drawstring, upon
extending outwardly through the first opening of the channel to
form the second loop, passes through the first point of attachment
before continuing to pass through the remainder of the channel to
the second opening.
10. The drawstring bag of claim 9, which is a backpack and wherein
the loops are shoulder loops.
11. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises: (vi) at
least one handle, and/or (vii) a strap comprising elongated grips
and an opener, which connects the elongated grips, wherein the
backpack can be carried by the at least one handle or, when the
opener is closed, by the strap as a tote.
12. The backpack of claim 11, wherein the at least one handle
comprises: a first handle, which is attached to the interior
surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at
least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned
midway between the first opening of the channel and the second
opening of the channel, and a second handle, which is attached to
the interior surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge
of the at least one wall at the open top end of the container and
positioned midway between the first opening of the channel and the
second opening of the channel, wherein the first handle and the
second handle are directly opposite each other and optionally
padded, and/or the strap comprising elongated grips and an opener,
whereupon, the backpack can be carried by either the first handle
and the second handle or, when the opener is closed, the strap as a
tote or, optionally, the backpack can be turned inside out and then
carried by either the first handle and the second handle or the
strap as a tote.
13. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the closed bottom is flat,
the at least one wall comprises a front wall, a back wall, and two
side walls, the channel runs along the edge of at least the front
wall and the back wall at the open top end of the container, the
first opening of the channel is positioned at the edge of one side
wall at the open top end of the container, the second opening of
the channel is positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the
open top end of the container, and the first point of attachment
and the second point of attachment are located along the edge of
the back wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container,
wherein the first point of attachment is at least substantially
vertically aligned with the first opening and the second point of
attachment is at least substantially vertically aligned with the
second opening.
14. The backpack of claim 13, which further comprises a bottom
support panel, which optionally is removable.
15. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises at least one
pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is
accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag,
and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag.
16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein at least one pocket is made
from netting.
17. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises (vi) a wallet
or an identification holder, either of which is tethered,
removable, or tethered and removable, (vii) a port for earphone
access, (viii) an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or
(ix) an attacher for a key holder and, optionally, a key
holder.
18. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises removable
shoulder pads.
19. The backpack of claim 10, which further comprises a drawstring
length adjuster at or near where each of the first and second
drawstrings is anchored.
20. The backpack of claim 19, wherein the drawstring length
adjuster is movably attached to the grip.
21. A method of stabilizing a drawstring having a first end and a
second end in a flexible container having at least one wall, which
has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed bottom,
an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of the open
top and which comprises at least two openings, which method
comprises anchoring the first end and the second end of the
drawstring by attachment to the at least one wall of the container
at or near an opening of the channel, whereupon the drawstring in
the flexible container is stabilized.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag, a tote, and a
backpack, all of which employ channel-anchored drawstrings.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A typical drawstring bag is a bag with a drawstring closure.
Along the top edge of each of the front and back walls of the bag
is a channel. One drawstring, for example, is drawn from right to
left through the channel along the top edge of the back wall and
from left to right through the channel along the top edge of the
front wall, and, when the bag is a backpack, the ends of the
drawstring are attached, usually by a knot, to the lower right
corner of the bag. Another drawstring, for example, is drawn from
left to right through the channel along the top edge of the front
wall and from right to left through the channel along the top edge
of the back wall, and, when the bag is a backpack, the ends of the
drawstring are attached, usually by a knot (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-3
for various configurations of knots), to the lower left corner of
the bag. The drawstring between the top of the backpack and the
lower corner of the backpack forms a shoulder loop. Thus, a
shoulder loop is formed on each side of the backpack.
[0003] The typical drawstring backpack, however, suffers from
disadvantages. When a configuration of knot as shown in FIG. 1 or
FIG. 2 is employed in attaching each of the drawstrings to a lower
corner of the bag, the shoulder loops become uneven upon repeated
opening and closing of the bag. This requires the user to adjust
periodically the shoulder loops. When a configuration of knot as
shown in FIG. 3 is employed in attaching each of the drawstrings to
a lower corner of the bag, the knots eventually move upon repeated
opening and closing of the bag. When a knot comes to rest on the
shoulder of a user, the knot can cause discomfort. The user must
periodically adjust the shoulder loops so that knots no longer rest
on the shoulders of the user. In the event that the knot moves to
the opening of the channel or the point of attachment at a corner
of the bag, the knot can get stuck and cause the shoulder loops to
become uneven upon repeated opening and closing of the bag.
Irrespective of the configuration of knot employed in attaching
each of the drawstrings to a lower corner of the bag, the lack of a
way of opening a closed bag without the user placing his
fingers/hand between the drawn front and back walls of the bag
contributes to the unevenness of the shoulder loops and the
traveling of the knots. Uneven shoulder loops and traveling knots
that get stuck at the opening of the channel or the point of
attachment at a corner of the bag cause unnecessary stress to the
bag, thereby accelerating wear and tear. Typical drawstring bags
also suffer from uneven loops, traveling knots, and the lack of a
way of opening a closed bag.
[0004] Although it is generally understood by users of typical
drawstring backpacks that such backpacks are not intended for
carrying heavy loads, users occasionally find themselves faced with
carrying a heavy load. Given that typical drawstring backpacks
employ knots to attach the shoulder loops to the bag, the
drawstring can only be as large as that which can still be knotted.
Thus, another disadvantage attendant the typical drawstring
backpack is that the thinness of the shoulder loops results in the
loops digging into the shoulders of the user when carrying a heavy
load in the backpack.
[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a drawstring bag,
in particular a drawstring backpack, which does not suffer from the
disadvantages of typical drawstring bags and backpacks. It is an
object of the present disclosure to provide such a drawstring bag,
as well as a drawstring tote, and a drawstring backpack. This and
other objects and advantages, as well as inventive features, will
become apparent from the detailed description provided herein.
SUMMARY
[0006] A drawstring bag is provided. The drawstring bag comprises a
flexible container, a first channel-anchored drawstring, a second
channel-anchored drawstring, and, optionally, grips. The flexible
container has at least one wall, which has an interior surface and
an exterior surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel,
which runs along the edge of the open top and which comprises at
least two openings. The first drawstring has a first end and a
second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the
wall of the container at or near a first opening of the channel and
the second end passes through the channel to a second opening of
the channel, where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and
then continues to pass through the remainder of the channel to the
first opening, where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of
the container at or near the first opening. The second drawstring
has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored
by attachment to the container at or near the second opening and
the second end passes through the channel to the first opening,
where it extends outwardly to form a second loop, which is equal in
length to the first loop, and then continues to pass through the
remainder of the channel to the second opening, where it is
anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at or near the
second opening. Optionally, a grip is present and adjacent to the
first opening of the channel and another grip is present and
adjacent to the second opening of the channel.
[0007] A tote is also provided. The tote comprises a drawstring bag
as described above and further comprises at least one handle, such
as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising
elongated grips connected by an opener. The first and second
handles are attached to a surface of the at least one wall at or
near the edge of the at least one wall at the open top end of the
container and positioned midway between the first opening of the
channel and the second opening of the channel such that the first
and second handles are directly opposite each other, either both
attached to the exterior surface of the at least one wall or both
attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall, and
optionally padded. The drawstring bag can be carried by either the
first handle and the second handle or, when the opener is closed,
by the strap as a tote. The closed bottom of the tote can be flat.
The at least one wall of the tote can comprise a front wall, a back
wall, and two side walls, in which case the channel runs along the
edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open top
end of the container, the first opening of the channel is
positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the
container, and the second opening of the channel is positioned at
the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the
container. The tote can further comprise a bottom support panel,
which optionally is removable. The tote can further comprise at
least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one
pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of
the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. At
least one pocket can be made from netting. The tote can further
comprise a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is
tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, an attachment
sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or an attacher for a key holder
and, optionally, a key holder.
[0008] A backpack is also provided. The backpack comprises a
drawstring bag as described above, wherein the drawstrings are long
enough to form shoulder loops, a first point of attachment, and a
second point of attachment. The first point of attachment and the
second point of attachment are located along the edge of the at
least one wall at or near the closed bottom end of the container
and are at least substantially vertically aligned with the first
and second openings, respectively, of the channel. In this case,
the first drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the second
opening of the channel to form the first loop, passes through the
second point of attachment before continuing to pass through the
remainder of the channel to the first opening, and the second
drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the first opening of
the channel to form the second loop, passes through the first point
of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of
the channel to the second opening. The backpack can further
comprise at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second
handle, and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an
opener. The first and second handles are attached to the interior
surface of the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at
least one wall at the open top end of the container and positioned
midway between the first opening of the channel and the second
opening of the channel such that the first and second handles are
directly opposite each other and optionally padded. The backpack
can be carried either by the first handle and the second handle or,
when the opener is closed, by the strap as a tote or, optionally,
the backpack can be turned inside out and then carried by either
the first handle and the second handle or the strap as a tote. The
closed bottom of the backpack can be flat. The at least one wall
can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, in
which case the channel runs along the edge of at least the front
wall and the back wall at the open top, the first opening of the
channel is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top
end of the container, the second opening of the channel is
positioned at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end
of the container, and the first point of attachment and the second
point of attachment are located along the edge of the back wall at
or near the closed bottom end of the container. The backpack can
further comprise a bottom support panel, which optionally is
removable. The backpack can further comprise at least one pocket on
the at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is
accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag,
and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. At least one
pocket can be made from netting. The backpack can further comprise
a port for earphone access, a wallet or an identification holder,
either of which is tethered, removable, or tethered and removable,
an attachment sleeve or an attachment strap, and/or an attacher for
a key holder and, optionally, a key holder. The backpack can
comprise removable pads for the shoulder straps. The backpack can
comprise a drawstring length adjuster at or near where each of the
first and second drawstrings is anchored. The drawstring length
adjuster can be movably attached to the grip.
[0009] A method of stabilizing a drawstring having a first end and
a second end in a flexible container having at least one wall,
which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a closed
bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the edge of
the open top and which comprises at least two openings, is also
provided. The method comprises anchoring the first end and the
second end of the drawstring by attachment to the at least one wall
of the container at or near an opening of the channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] FIG. 1 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring
bag showing one configuration of knot.
[0011] FIG. 2 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring
bag showing another configuration of knot.
[0012] FIG. 3 (PRIOR ART) is a drawing of a prior art drawstring
bag showing yet another configuration of knot.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a drawstring bag in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5a is a drawing of a tote in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 5b is a drawing of an alternative configuration of a
tote in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 6a is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0017] FIG. 6b is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended and an alternative configuration of the grip 61.
[0018] FIG. 6c is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster
on the inside and a grip.
[0019] FIG. 6d is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster
on the outside and a grip.
[0020] FIG. 6e is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended and drawstrings anchored with a traveling drawstring
length adjuster movably attached to a grip.
[0021] FIG. 6f is a drawing of a partially deconstructed side view
of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated
with a dotted line in FIG. 6e.
[0022] FIG. 6g is another drawing of a partially deconstructed side
view of the area of the traveling drawstring length adjuster
delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e, wherein the arrows show
that the drawstring length adjuster can move in both directions
along the grip.
[0023] FIG. 6h is a drawing of an open backpack with handles
extended and drawstrings anchored with a drawstring length adjuster
on the outside.
[0024] FIG. 6i is a close-up view of the area of the drawstring
length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h.
[0025] FIG. 6j is a drawing of a partially deconstructed view of
the area of the drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted
line in FIG. 6h.
[0026] FIG. 6k is a drawing of a closed backpack with a strap
comprising elongated grips connected by a closed opener.
[0027] FIG. 6l is a close-up view of the area of the strap
comprising elongated grips delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6k
with the opener in an open position.
[0028] FIG. 7a is a drawing of a closed backpack in accordance with
the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 7b is a drawing of an alternative configuration of the
point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.
[0030] FIG. 7c is a drawing of another alternative configuration of
the point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.
[0031] FIG. 7d is a drawing of yet another alternative
configuration of the point of attachment 31 in FIG. 7a.
[0032] FIG. 8a is a drawing of the open backpack of FIG. 6a turned
inside out with handles extended.
[0033] FIG. 8b is a drawing of an open backpack turned inside out
with an alternative configuration of handles extended.
[0034] FIG. 8c is a drawing of an open backpack turned inside out
with an alternative configuration of handles extended.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a drawing of an open backpack with sidewalls,
handles extended, an alternative configuration of the grip 61, and
an alternative configuration of the point of attachment 31.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a drawing of the open backpack of FIG. 9 turned
inside out with handles extended.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a drawing of the channel-anchored drawstrings,
grips, and points of attachment of the open backpack of FIG. 6a in
the absence of the at least one wall and channels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The present disclosure is predicated, at least in part, on
the discovery that a drawstring can be stabilized such that
periodic adjustments of loops, in particular shoulder loops, of
drawstring bags, totes, and backpacks can be reduced, e.g.,
substantially minimized and, perhaps, even eliminated, and that
knots, in particular traveling knots, in the drawstrings of bags,
totes, and backpacks can be avoided by anchoring the drawstrings at
the open top of the bag, e.g., at or near the openings of the
channel through which the drawstrings are drawn. The present
disclosure is further predicated, at least in part, on the
discovery that placement of grips to open a closed drawstring at
the top of the bag, e.g., at the openings of the channel through
which the drawstrings are drawn, helps to stabilize the drawstring
so as to reduce, e.g., minimize substantially and, perhaps, even
eliminate, the need for periodic adjustment of the loops. The
avoidance of knots also allows the use of a heavier drawstring,
which reduces discomfort of the drawstring when worn as a shoulder
loop of a drawstring backpack, particularly when the backpack is
filled with a heavy load. In view of the foregoing, the present
disclosure provides a bag, a tote, and a backpack, all of which
employ channel-anchored drawstrings. The following terms are
relevant to the present disclosure:
[0039] (a) "Backpack" is used herein to refer to a bag, a sack, a
pouch, a pack, and the like that can be worn, but not necessarily
worn, on a back, such as a back of a person. The bag can be worn on
one shoulder or an arm or carried by hand, if so desired.
Alternative terms used to describe a backpack include, but are not
limited to, a backbag, a backsack, a backpouch, a rucksack, and a
knapsack. Use of the term "backpack" herein is intended to
encompass any and all such alternative terms.
[0040] (b) "Channel" is used herein to refer to a structure along
the edge of the open top of a bag, tote, or backpack through which
the drawstrings are drawn to close the top. The channel can be an
enclosed sleeve, such as exemplified in the drawings herein, a
series of rings, a series of tubes, a series of loops, a
combination of any of the foregoing, and the like provided that the
drawstring can be drawn, preferably with ease, through the channel
to close the top. In this regard, the channel can be made from any
suitable material, such as the material from which the at least one
wall is made, e.g., fabric as described further herein, plastic,
metal, or the like. If the channel is made from the material from
which the at least one wall is made, the upper edge of the wall can
be turned down and secured, such as by stitching, adhesive, or
fasteners, for example. The channel comprises at least two openings
through which the drawstrings are drawn to form loops, such as
shoulder loops, such as exemplified in the drawings herein.
Depending on the structure, the channel can comprise three, four,
five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more, such as four,
six, eight, 10, or 12, openings. Preferably, the drawstrings are
drawn through openings that are equidistant apart.
[0041] (c) "Drawstring" is used herein to refer to a string, a
cord, and the like that can be drawn to close the top on a bag, a
tote, or a backpack. If desired, a rope, a cable, or a chain can be
used as a drawstring. The drawstring can have any suitably shaped
cross-section, such as round, rectangular, or oval; desirably, the
cross-sectional shape and composition of the drawstring do not
adversely affect the opening and closing of the top of the bag, the
tote, or the backpack and the comfort of the drawstring when the
backpack is worn on one or both shoulders. Alternative terms used
to describe a drawstring include a drawcord and the like. Both ends
of the drawstring are anchored at or near an opening in the channel
in accordance with the present disclosure. While a knot may be
tolerated if it is located on a part of the drawstring that is not
drawn through the channel (as described in (b) above) or a point of
attachment (as described in (g) below) and, in the case of a
backpack, not located in the shoulder region of the loop,
preferably and desirably, the drawstring is knotless.
[0042] (d) "Drawstring length adjuster" is used herein to refer to
any mechanism that can adjust the length of the drawstring. While
an adjuster can be used in any embodiment, it is most likely to be
used in the backpack embodiment to adjust the length of the
drawstrings, so as to adjust the length of the shoulder loops for a
more custom fit to the user of the backpack. Preferably, the
adjuster is positioned to anchor the drawstring at or near the open
top of the bag, e.g., such as adjacent to the openings of the
channel through which the drawstrings are drawn. When an adjuster
is used, the drawstring is passed through the adjusting mechanism
and temporarily locked until more adjustments are needed. The
adjuster can be attached to the inside or the outside of the at
least one wall of the container where the drawstring is anchored.
The adjuster can be attached to the at least one wall of the
container together with or separate from the grip, if included.
When the adjuster is attached to the outside of the at least one
wall, the drawstring length adjuster or one or both loops/ends (as
described herein) of the drawstring, alone or in further
combination with the drawstring length adjuster, can be used as a
grip, in which case the grip shown as (61) in the figures herein
can be absent. Alternatively, the adjuster can be attached to the
at least one wall of the container via the grip itself. For
example, a grip, which comprises a loop, one end of which is
attached to the outside of the at least one wall and the other end
of which is attached to the inside of the at least one wall, can be
employed. The adjuster then can be attached to the loop, thereby
allowing it to travel from one side of the at least one wall to the
other side of the at least one wall, so that the excess length of
the drawstring and the adjuster, itself, can be on the inside or
outside of the container, depending on user preference. Examples of
mechanisms that can be used as adjusters include, but are not
limited to, a cord clamp, a cord cinch, a cord clinch, a cord
stopper (e.g., a two-holed cord stopper), a double-holed locking
toggle, and a cord lock, such as those available from Universal
Mercantile Exchange, Inc. (UMX), Walnut, Calif., Jo-Ann Super
Stores, and globalsource.com. See, also, U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,403
for an example of a double cord clinch. A cam buckle, which can be
flat or round and which is preferably flat, also can be used.
Preferably, the drawstring length adjuster comprises a double-cord
stopper with a slot that can be used to attach the adjuster to the
at least one wall of the container. The adjuster can be made of
metal, zinc-alloy, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), nylon,
plastic, and the like.
[0043] (e) "Grip" is used herein to refer to a tab, a loop, a hoop,
a handle, and the like that can be gripped to open a closed
drawstring bag, tote, or backpack. The grip can be made from any
suitable material, such as fabric, plastic, metal, or the like. The
grip can comprise a loop, one end of which is attached to the
outside of the at least one wall and the other end of which is
attached to the inside of the at least one wall.
[0044] (f) "Attacher for a key holder" is used herein to refer to
any mechanism that can attach a key holder, e.g., a key ring, to
the drawstring bag, tote, or backpack. Examples include a spring
ring clasp, a D-ring, a lobster claw clasp, a bolt snap, a snap
hook, a gate hook, a carabiner key hook, and the like, such as
those available from UMX. If a key holder, such as a key ring, is
included, the attachment between the key holder and the attacher
can be mated, e.g., a magnetic snap, a hook and look fastener, and
the like, can be employed.
[0045] (g) "Point of attachment" is used herein to refer to the
place along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the closed
bottom end of the container where a drawstring movably attaches,
either directly or indirectly. Preferably, the points of attachment
are transverse and at least substantially vertically aligned with
the openings of the channel. The point of attachment can comprise a
grommet, a loop(s), a ring(s), a tube(s), a hole reinforced along
its edge with thread, alone or in further combination with
interfacing, or the like, or any combination thereof, provided that
the diameter of the opening of the grommet, loop, ring, tube,
and/or hole, is sufficient to allow a drawstring to pass,
preferably, easily, through its opening. If desired, the drawstring
can be removably attached to the point of attachment, such as by a
swivel hook, which can comprise a spring ring clasp, a lobster claw
clasp, a bolt snap, a snap hook, a gate hook, a carabiner hook, and
the like. For example, the drawstring can be looped through the
bottom loop of the swivel hook and the hook, itself, can be
attached to the point of attachment. Alternatively, the bottom loop
of the swivel hook can be attached to the point of attachment and
the hook, itself, can be attached to the drawstring. This sort of
attachment allows the drawstrings to be detached from the bottom of
the bag and stored inside of the backpack, for example, such as
when carried as a tote, if desired.
[0046] (h) "Tote" is used herein to refer to a bag with at least
one handle. A tote is typically carried by hand, although if the at
least one handle is long enough, the tote can be carried on an arm
or worn over one shoulder. If a tote has a shoulder strap, the
strap can be used to carry the tote over one shoulder or
cross-body.
[0047] The above terminology is provided for the purpose of
describing particular embodiments. The terminology is not intended
to be limiting.
[0048] The drawstring bag comprises a flexible container, a first
channel-anchored drawstring, a second channel-anchored drawstring,
and, optionally, grips. The flexible container has at least one
wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior surface, a
closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs along the
edge of the open top and which comprises at least two openings. The
flexible container can be made from any suitable material,
dependent, at least in part, on the particular end use. For
example, if the drawstring bag is to be used to store shoes, a
breathable fabric, with or without an antimicrobial finish, can be
desirable. If, on the other hand, the drawstring bag is to be used
to store wet clothing, a waterproof fabric, with or without a
mildew-resistant finish, can be desirable. If the drawstring bag is
to be used as a laundry bag, a durable fabric can be desirable.
Thus, the flexible container can be made from polyester (e.g.,
ripstop polyester), nylon (e.g., nylon mesh, poly nylon mesh,
ripstop nylon, and ballistic nylon), cotton, Dacron, and the like,
such as thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) fabric laminate,
thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fabric laminate, canvas (e.g., 24
ounce canvas, such as 24 ounce batterproof canvas), Dacron
sailcloth, laminate sailcloth, duck fabric, ticking, muslin,
leather, and suede, among others. The flexible container can have
one continuous wall, a front wall and a back wall, such as with a
fold on one side and a seam on the other side or with seams on both
sides, or a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls, among
others. The closed bottom can result from the folding or seaming of
the at least one continuous wall at the bottom edge. Alternatively,
the closed bottom can be a separate wall of any shape, such as a
square, a rectangle, a circle, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon,
or an octagon, which is attached to the at least one continuous
wall. Likewise, the open top can have any shape and need not mirror
the shape of the closed bottom. Preferably, the shape of the open
top does not adversely affect the drawing of the drawstring through
the channel to close the top.
[0049] The first drawstring has a first end and a second end,
wherein the first end is anchored by attachment to the wall of the
container at or near a first opening of the channel and the second
end passes through the channel to a second opening of the channel,
where it extends outwardly to form a first loop and then continues
to pass through the remainder of the channel to the first opening,
where it is anchored by attachment to the wall of the container at
or near the first opening. The second drawstring has a first end
and a second end, wherein the first end is anchored by attachment
to the container at or near the second opening and the second end
passes through the channel to the first opening, where it extends
outwardly to form a second loop, which is equal in length to the
first loop, and then continues to pass through the remainder of the
channel to the second opening, where it is anchored by attachment
to the wall of the container at or near the second opening. The
drawstring can be made from any suitable material including, but
not limited to, a string, a cord (e.g., twisted or woven), a rope,
a strap, a cable, or a chain and the like that can be drawn to
close the top on a bag, a tote, or a backpack. The drawstring can
be made of nylon, polyester, polypropylene, manila, sisal, cotton,
leather, and the like. A heavier cord, which is more comfortable
when worn on the shoulders, can be preferred in the backpack. The
drawstrings can be attached to the inside or outside of the
container, e.g., by stitches, by adhesive, or by a plastic or metal
fastener (e.g., a rivet or a D-ring).
[0050] If present, a grip is adjacent to the first opening of the
channel, and another grip is adjacent to the second opening of the
channel. The grip can be a tab, a loop, a hoop, a strap, a webbing,
a handle, or the like that can be gripped to open a closed bag,
tote, or backpack. The grip can be made from any suitable material,
such as fabric (e.g., nylon (e.g., nylon mesh fabric, poly nylon
mesh, and ballistic nylon), TPE fabric laminate, TPU fabric
laminate, polyester, cotton (e.g., cotton canvas), and acrylic),
leather, plastic (e.g., polypropylene), metal, or the like. The
grip can be oriented in any suitable direction, such as an upward
direction (see, e.g., FIG. 6a) or a downward direction (see, e.g.,
FIG. 6b). Such grips are preferably present, since they can be
gripped to open a closed bag, tote, or backpack and help to
minimize substantially and, perhaps, even eliminate the need for
periodic adjustment of the loops. The ends of a drawstring can be
placed between the grip and the exterior surface of the at least
one wall for attachment; alternatively, the ends of a drawstring
can be placed on the interior surface of the at least one wall
directly behind the grip for attachment. In doing so, the grip and
the drawstring are attached to the at least one wall at the same
place and can be attached to the at least one wall at the same
time.
[0051] An example of a drawstring bag in accordance with the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a side view of the
drawstring bag (10) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel
(22), the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), and
one configuration of grips (61). The dimensions and overall shape
of the drawstring bag will depend, at least in part, on its end
use. Such dimensions and shapes are known to those in the art.
[0052] The tote comprises a drawstring bag as described above and
at least one handle, such as a first handle and a second handle,
and/or a strap comprising elongated grips connected by an opener.
The first and second handles are attached to the surface of the at
least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall at the
open top end of the container and positioned midway between the
first opening of the channel and the second opening of the channel
such that the first and second handles are directly opposite each
other, either both attached to the exterior surface of the at least
one wall or both attached to the interior surface of the at least
one wall, and optionally padded. The handles can be collapsible
(e.g., due to the nature of the fabric used to construct the
handles or due to the use of hinges) or retractable. The handles
can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or
the like) that goes down one wall, around the bottom of the tote
and up the other wall (see, e.g., FIGS. 5a and 5b (in further
combination with partial front, back and side wall reinforcement
and full bottom reinforcement), thereby providing added strength
and stability to the tote. Alternatively, the handles can be, but
do not have to be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like)
that goes around the container near the top of the container (see,
e.g., handles in backpacks of FIGS. 8b and 8c), alone (see, e.g.,
FIG. 8b) or in further combination with strapping or other
reinforcing material that goes down one side, around the bottom of
the tote, and up the other side (see, e.g., FIG. 8c (in further
combination with partial front and back reinforcement)). Thus, the
handles can be strapping, webbing and the like, and can be made
from any suitable material, such as nylon (e.g., nylon mesh fabric,
poly nylon mesh, and ballistic nylon), TPE fabric laminate, TPU
fabric laminate, polyester, polypropylene, cotton, acrylic, and the
like, including blends thereof, and can be twisted (like rope) or
woven (like webbing or strapping). If desired, the handles can be
made from leather, plastic or wood, such as bamboo, and then
attached to the at least one wall using one of the other materials,
directly or indirectly, such as by use of a D-ring or similar
component, which provides a point at which the handle can collapse.
The attachment of the handles to the at least one wall can be
reinforced, such as by the use of stitching, fasteners, and the
like. Additionally or alternatively, the tote can comprise a strap
comprising elongated grips connected by an opener (see, e.g., the
elongated grips in the backpack of FIGS. 6k and 6l). When the
opener is closed, the tote can be carried by the strap.
[0053] The closed bottom of the tote can be flat. The at least one
wall of the tote can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two
side walls (or more as described above), in which case the channel
runs along the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at
the open top end of the container, the first opening of the channel
is positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of
the container, and the second opening of the channel is positioned
at the edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the
container. The tote can further comprise a bottom support panel,
which optionally is removable. The tote can further comprise at
least one pocket on the at least one wall, wherein the at least one
pocket is accessible from the exterior of the bag, the interior of
the bag, and/or from the exterior and the interior of the bag. One
pocket can be made from netting and can have elastic or a
drawstring cinch along the open edge. The tote can further comprise
a wallet or an identification holder, either of which is tethered,
removable, or tethered and removable, a sleeve, such as on the back
wall of the tote, or a strap, such as on the back wall of the tote
or on the top of the tote, for attachment to a handle on a piece of
luggage or a bicycle, for example, and/or an attacher for a key
holder and, optionally, a key holder.
[0054] Examples of totes in accordance with the present disclosure
are shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. FIGS. 5a and 5b are side views of the
totes (11) showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22),
the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), one
configuration of grips (61), and handles (71). The tote of FIG. 5b
differs from that of FIG. 5a in the configuration of the bottom and
sides of the tote. Those in the art will appreciate that the
dimensions and overall shape of the tote can vary.
[0055] The backpack comprises a drawstring bag as described,
wherein the drawstrings are long enough to form shoulder loops, a
first point of attachment, and a second point of attachment. The
first point of attachment and the second point of attachment are
located along the edge of the at least one wall at or near the
closed bottom end of the container and preferably are at least
substantially vertically aligned with the first opening and the
second opening, respectively, of the channel. In this case, the
first drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the second
opening of the channel to form the first loop, passes through the
second point of attachment before continuing to pass through the
remainder of the channel to the first opening, and the second
drawstring, upon extending outwardly through the first opening of
the channel to form the second loop, passes through the first point
of attachment before continuing to pass through the remainder of
the channel to the second opening.
[0056] The backpack can further comprise at least one handle, such
as a first handle and a second handle, and/or a strap comprising
elongated grips connected by an opener, as described above. The
first and second handles are attached to the interior surface of
the at least one wall at or near the edge of the at least one wall
at the open top end of the container and positioned midway between
the first opening of the channel and the second opening of the
channel such that the first and second handles are directly
opposite each other and optionally padded. The handles can be
collapsible (e.g., due to the nature of the fabric used to
construct the handles or due to the use of hinges) or retractable.
The handles can be, but do not have to be, attached to or part of
strapping (or the like) that, for example, goes down one wall,
around the bottom of the tote and up the other wall (see, e.g.,
FIGS. 6a-e and 6h), thereby providing added strength and stability
to the tote. Alternatively, the handles can be, but do not have to
be, attached to or part of strapping (or the like) that, for
example, goes around the container near the top of the container
(see, e.g., FIGS. 8b and 8c), alone (see, e.g., FIG. 8b) or in
further combination with strapping or other reinforcing material
that, for example, goes down one side, around the bottom of the
tote, and up the other side seam (see, e.g., FIG. 8c (in further
combination with partial front and back reinforcement)). Thus, the
handles can be made from any suitable material, such as nylon,
polyester, or cotton, and the like, including blends thereof, and
can be twisted (like rope) or woven (like strapping or webbing). If
desired, the handles can be made from leather, plastic or wood,
such as bamboo, and then attached to the at least one wall using
one of the other materials, directly or indirectly, such as by use
of a D-ring or similar component, which provides a point at which
the handles can collapse. The attachment of the handles to the at
least one wall can be reinforced, such as by the use of stitching,
adhesive, fasteners, and the like. The backpack can be carried by
the first handle and the second handle as a tote or, optionally,
the backpack can be turned inside out and then carried by the first
handle and the second handle as a tote. Additionally or
alternatively, the backpack can comprise a strap comprising
elongated grips connected by an opener (see, e.g., FIGS. 6k and
6l). When the opener is closed, the backpack can be carried by the
strap.
[0057] The closed bottom of the backpack can be flat. The at least
one wall can comprise a front wall, a back wall, and two side walls
(or more as described above), in which case the channel runs along
the edge of at least the front wall and the back wall at the open
top end of the container, the first opening of the channel is
positioned at the edge of one side wall at the open top end of the
container, the second opening of the channel is positioned at the
edge of the other side wall at the open top end of the container,
and the first point of attachment and the second point of
attachment are located along the edge of the back wall at or near
the closed bottom end of the container, wherein the first point of
attachment is preferably at least substantially vertically aligned
with the first opening and the second point of attachment is
preferably at least substantially vertically aligned with the
second opening. The points of attachment can be reinforced using
methods known in the art, such as interfacing, a gusset (e.g., as
shown in FIG. 6a, which can be triangular or any other suitable
shape, such as U-shaped). The backpack can further comprise a
bottom support panel, which optionally is removable.
[0058] The backpack can further comprise at least one pocket on the
at least one wall, wherein the at least one pocket is accessible
from the exterior of the bag, the interior of the bag, and/or from
the exterior and the interior of the bag. The pocket can be closed
in accordance with methods known in the art, such as a zipper, a
snap, a hook and loop closure, and the like. One pocket can be made
from netting and can have elastic or a drawstring cinch along the
open edge. The backpack can further comprise a port for earphone
access, a wallet or identification holder, either of which is
tethered, removable, or tethered and removable, an attachment
sleeve, such as on the back wall of the backpack, or an attachment
strap, such as on the back wall of the backpack or on the top of
the backpack, for attachment to a handle on a piece of luggage or a
bicycle, for example, and/or an attacher for a key holder and,
optionally, a key holder. The backpack can comprise removable pads
for the shoulder straps. The backpack can comprise a drawstring
length adjuster where each of the first and second drawstrings is
anchored (see, e.g., FIGS. 6c, 6d, and 6h-6j). The drawstring
length adjuster can be movably attached to a grip (see, e.g., FIGS.
6e-6g).
[0059] An example of a backpack in accordance with the present
disclosure is shown in FIGS. 6a-11. FIGS. 6a-6e are drawings of a
side view of an open backpack (12) showing the at least one wall
(21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the
points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long
enough to form shoulder loops, grips (61), and handles (71), which
are attached to the interior surface of the at least one wall. In
FIG. 6a, the grip comprises a loop that is attached to the at least
one wall in an upward orientation, whereas in FIG. 6b, the grip
comprises a loop that is attached to the at least one wall in a
downward orientation. FIG. 6c shows a drawstring length adjuster
(24) attached to the inside of the at least one wall, whereas FIG.
6d shows a drawstring length adjuster (24) attached to the outside
of the at least one wall. The drawstring length adjuster can be
used to anchor the drawstring to the wall of the container. When a
drawstring length adjuster (24) is used, the drawstring preferably
comprises a modification of its ends (63), such as a knot or an end
cap to prevent fraying, the passing of the end of the drawstring
out of the drawstring length adjuster, and the like. If desired, a
single end cap can be used to cover both ends of the drawstring.
When the drawstring length adjuster (24) is attached to the outside
of the at least one wall, the drawstring length adjuster (24) or
one or both ends of the drawstring, alone or in further combination
with the drawstring length adjuster (24), can be used as a grip, in
which case the grip (61) can be absent. In this regard, the
modification of the end of the drawstring (63) can have features
that make it more grip-like, such as a rubber or plastic
modification (63) with a textured surface and an ergonomic shape
for ease of gripping by the thumb and forefinger, for example. FIG.
6e is a drawing of an open backpack (12) showing the at least one
wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the
points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), grips (61),
traveling drawstring length adjusters (24) attached to the grips
(61), and modifications of the ends (63) of the drawstring. FIG. 6f
is a drawing of a partially deconstructed side view of the area of
the traveling drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted
line in FIG. 6e showing the openings of the channel (23), the
drawstrings (41), the grips (61), the traveling drawstring length
adjusters (24) attached to the grips (61), and the modifications of
the ends (63) of the drawstring. FIG. 6g is another drawing of a
partially deconstructed side view of the area of the traveling
drawstring length adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6e
showing the openings of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the
grips (61), the traveling drawstring length adjusters (24) attached
to the grips (61), and the modifications of the ends (63) of the
drawstring, wherein the arrows indicate the ability of the
drawstring length adjuster to move (in both directions) along the
grip. FIG. 6h is a drawing of an open backpack (12) showing the at
least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel
(23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which
are long enough to form shoulder loops, drawstring length adjusters
(24), grips (61), and handles (71), which are attached to the
interior surface of the at least one wall and extended. In this
embodiment, the grips (61) are formed when the ends of the
drawstrings are attached to the at least one wall and the lengths
of the drawstrings (41) are shortened with the drawstring length
adjusters (24), whereupon loops are formed by the excess lengths of
the drawstrings that then can be used as grips. FIG. 6i is a
close-up view of the area of the drawstring length adjuster
delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h showing the openings of
the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the drawstring length
adjuster (24), and the grip (61). FIG. 6j is a drawing of a
partially deconstructed view of the area of the drawstring length
adjuster delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6h showing the
opening of the channel (23), the drawstrings (41), the drawstring
length adjuster (24), and the grip (61). FIG. 6k is a drawing of a
closed backpack (12) showing the at least one wall (21), channels
(22), openings of the channel (23), drawstrings (41), points of
attachment (31), and a strap comprising elongated grips (61)
connected by an opener. FIG. 6l is a close-up view of the area of
the elongated grips delineated with a dotted line in FIG. 6k
showing the elongated grips (61) and the openings of the channel
(23). FIG. 7a is a drawing of a side view of a closed backpack (12)
showing the at least one wall (21), the channel (22), the openings
of the channel (23), the points of attachment (31), the drawstrings
(41), which are long enough to form shoulder loops, and one
configuration of grips (61). FIGS. 7b-7d are drawings of
alternative configurations of the points of attachment (31) in FIG.
7a showing the points of attachment (31) and the drawstrings (41).
FIG. 8a is a drawing of the open backpack (12) of FIG. 6a turned
inside out with handles (71) extended showing the at least one wall
(21), the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), and the
drawstrings (41). FIGS. 8b and 8c are drawings of an open backpack
(12) turned inside out showing the at least one wall (21), the
channel (22), the openings to the channel (23), the drawstrings
(41), and alternative configurations of handles (71) extended. FIG.
9 is a drawing of an open backpack (12), in which the at least one
wall (21) comprises sidewalls and the handles (71) are extended,
showing the channel (22), the openings of the channel (23), the
points of attachment (31), the drawstrings (41), which are long
enough to form shoulder loops, one configuration of grips (61), and
one configuration of the point of attachment (31). FIG. 10 is a
drawing of the open backpack (12) of FIG. 9 turned inside out with
handles (71) extended. FIG. 11 is a drawing of the channel-anchored
drawstrings (41), grips (61), and points of attachment (31) of the
open backpack of FIG. 6a in the absence of the at least one wall
and channels. Those in the art will appreciate that the dimensions
and overall shape of the backpack can vary.
[0060] If desired, the backpack can comprise more than one
compartment, such as two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight,
nine, ten, or more compartments. Compartments can be created by an
organizer (see, e.g., U.S. Design Pat. No. 524,544 and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,823,909), which can be removably attached to one or more
walls, or by attachment of dividers to the interior surfaces of at
least two walls. Dividers can be removably attached to at least two
walls, or fixedly attached to one wall and then removably attached
to one or more other walls. Dividers can be removably attached by
hook and loop (e.g., Velcro.RTM.), snaps (e.g., ball and socket
(including covered and uncovered, sew and no sew (e.g., attached
with cleats), metal, plastic and nylon, and ranging in size from
fine to heavy as appropriate for use), and magnetic), hook and eye
closures, button and loop closures, and the like. Dividers that are
removably attached to at least two sidewalls can be stored with the
backpack, such as in one or more pockets in one or more sidewalls,
if desired. Internal walls that are fixedly attached to one wall
(i.e., the "fixed wall") and removably attached to one or more
other walls can be removably attached to the fixed sidewall for
storage when not in use.
[0061] The bag, tote, and backpack described herein can be
manufactured in accordance with any suitable method known in the
art. Such methods include sewing, gluing, and the use of fasteners,
such as rivets, grommets, and the like. An example of a method of
making a backpack is set forth in the Example.
[0062] In view of the above, a method of stabilizing a drawstring
having a first end and a second end in a flexible container having
at least one wall, which has an interior surface and an exterior
surface, a closed bottom, an open top, and a channel, which runs
along the edge of the open top and which comprises at least two
openings, is provided. The method comprises anchoring the first end
and the second end of the drawstring by attachment to the wall of
the container at or near an opening of the channel, whereupon the
drawstring in the flexible container is stabilized.
[0063] The following example serves to illustrate the present
disclosure. It is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed
invention in any way.
EXAMPLE
[0064] This example describes the construction of the backpack as
shown in FIG. 6a.
[0065] A rectangle of flexible material was cut. An open-ended
channel was constructed along each of the shorter ends of the
rectangle by folding the top edge of the fabric down and sewing
along the folded-down, cut edge. The width of the channel was large
enough to allow two drawstrings to pass by each other in the
channel. Strapping was sewn on one side of the material to form a
handle at each of the shorter ends of the rectangle. The rectangle
was then folded in half so that the channels were facing each other
and the strapping, which formed the handles, was on the inside.
Then, the sides were sewn up from the fold to the base of the
channel, thereby forming a container with an open top and a closed
bottom. Each of the bottom corners was then sewn with a slanted
line, as a hypotenuse to form a right triangle with each corner
being the right angle, and a grommet was positioned inside each of
the triangles, thereby transferring stress to a sewn seam, rather
than the grommet. Shoulder loops were formed by stringing and
anchoring two drawstrings. One drawstring was looped through the
left bottom grommet, and then one end of the drawstring was
threaded through one channel from left to right, while the other
end was threaded through the other channel from left to right, and
both ends of the drawstring were anchored near the opening of the
channel on the right side. The other drawstring was looped through
the right bottom grommet, and then one end of the drawstring was
threaded through one channel from right to left, while the other
end was threaded through the other channel from right to left, and
both ends of the drawstring were anchored near the opening of the
channel on the left side. Grips were attached on the outside of the
bag where the ends of the drawstrings were anchored.
[0066] All patents, patent application publications, and other
publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the
level of skill of those in the art to which the disclosure
pertains. All such publications are incorporated herein by
reference to the same extent as if each individual publication were
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0067] The invention illustratively described herein may be
suitably practiced in the absence of any element(s) or
limitation(s), which is/are not specifically disclosed herein.
Thus, for example, each instance herein of any of the terms
"comprising," "consisting essentially of," and "consisting of" may
be replaced with either of the other two terms. Likewise, the
singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example,
references to "the method" includes one or more methods and/or
steps of the type, which are described herein and/or which will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon reading
the disclosure.
[0068] The terms and expressions, which have been employed, are
used as terms of description and not of limitation. In this regard,
where certain terms are defined in one place and are otherwise
defined, described, or discussed elsewhere in the "Detailed
Description," all such definitions, descriptions, and discussions
are intended to be attributed to such terms. There also is no
intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding any
equivalents of the features shown and described or portions
thereof.
[0069] It is recognized that various modifications are possible
within the scope of the claimed invention. Thus, it should be
understood that, although the present invention has been
specifically disclosed in the context of preferred embodiments and
optional features, those skilled in the art may resort to
modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein. Such
modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *